Brendan Sorsby has decided to forgo the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and has officially entered the transfer portal, marking a significant shift for the Cincinnati Bearcats’ quarterback situation. At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Sorsby has been a dual-threat quarterback, throwing for an impressive 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns this season, while also rushing for 580 yards and nine touchdowns. His standout performances included a remarkable 388-yard passing game against Kansas and a solid rushing effort of 96 yards against Nebraska.
As a redshirt junior, Sorsby is now evaluating his future, contemplating whether to enter the NFL draft or explore options in the transfer portal, following a season where he distinguished himself as a key player for the team. Notably, his previous season also highlighted his capabilities, where he passed for 2,813 yards and tallied 18 touchdowns along with 447 rushing yards.
With Sorsby’s departure, the Bearcats are looking to senior quarterback Brady Lichtenberg to step into the starting role. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Lichtenberg has some prior experience, having participated in the 2022 Wasabi Fenway Bowl. This season, he made a brief appearance, completing 4 out of 6 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown during a dominating victory over Northwestern State.
Another option for the Bearcats is redshirt freshman Samaj Jones, who has shown promising skills, completing 2 of 2 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown against the same team, in addition to running for 26 yards. Many believe that Jones may have the strongest arm on the roster, having showcased his potential during the spring scrimmage.
Moreover, Sorsby’s value has not gone unnoticed in the football community, with reports circulating that he has received lucrative offers from other schools, with figures around $4 million mentioned. NFL draft analysts have also taken notice, with some projecting him as a top-31 selection in the upcoming draft, specifically to the Los Angeles Rams, while teammate Jake Golday is projected as a second-round pick.
As the Bearcats prepare for their upcoming bowl game against the Navy Midshipmen on January 2 in Memphis, they aim to build on their previous successes, having last won a bowl game in the city in 2011. Coach Brian Newberry of Navy has expressed confidence in his squad, emphasizing their commitment to the game amid the current transfer landscape.
Transitioning into a new era without Sorsby, the Bearcats have a challenging yet exciting road ahead as they adapt to the changes in their roster and set their sights on future opportunities.